What to Expect at WDW (Orlando) based on DLP?

Question

You all helped so much shaping a perfect birthday girl experience at DLP a few years back. Now for the big 1-3 we're planning for a "low-season" WDW Orlando birthday.

Two main questions for anyone who has done both:

Anything that is better/same at DLP that might be skipped at WDW?

Anything I should brace myself to encounter in WDW after loving DLP (waaaay more visitors ;) )?

Many Thanks!!

(Off topic, so delete if needed.)

Answer

It’s great to hear that you're planning a special birthday trip for your 13-year-old to Walt Disney World (WDW) after having such a memorable experience at Disneyland Paris (DLP)! There are definitely some similarities between the parks, but also a few key differences you should be prepared for. Here’s what you can expect when transitioning from DLP to WDW:

Things that might be better or the same at DLP that you could skip at WDW:

Sleeping Beauty Castle vs. Cinderella Castle - While Cinderella Castle at WDW is iconic and beautiful, Sleeping Beauty Castle at DLP offers a more intimate and charming experience, especially with its more detailed and immersive surroundings. The DLP castle is more of a "storybook" castle with hidden features (like the dragon animatronic in the dungeon) that may be missed at WDW’s larger, but more commercial, Cinderella Castle.
Atmosphere and Scale - DLP, being a bit smaller, often has a cozier, more relaxed atmosphere with less walking required between attractions. If your family loves the charm of a more compact park, WDW can feel a little overwhelming at first due to its sheer size and the amount of walking you'll do between parks and attractions.
Walt Disney Studios Park (DLP) Attractions - While WDW has more overall rides, DLP’s Walt Disney Studios Park has some unique attractions that you may not find in WDW, such as Ratatouille: The Adventure (which will also be coming to Epcot in 2023). If you've experienced that at DLP, you can skip it at WDW unless you want to check out the new version at Epcot.

Things to Brace Yourself for at WDW:

Much Larger Crowds - As you’ve noted, WDW tends to have a lot more visitors than DLP, and it can feel crowded, especially in the more popular months or during park openings. Even during the "low-season," you may still encounter long lines, especially at the big-ticket rides. FastPass+ (or the new Genie+ system) will help, but you’ll still need to plan ahead for popular rides like Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, Space Mountain, or Avatar Flight of Passage.
Longer Wait Times - Expect longer waits, even for attractions that seem less popular. While DLP’s smaller size means some rides have quicker turnarounds, WDW’s larger guest population can make it harder to avoid long queues, even with the new Genie+ system (which replaces FastPass). Popular rides at WDW tend to be more spread out across the four parks, and you might need to manage your time carefully to avoid long waits.
Transportation Between Parks - Getting between the parks in WDW can take longer compared to DLP, where everything is close together. At WDW, you may need to rely on buses, monorails, or boats to get from park to park, which can be time-consuming. If you’re hopping between parks in a single day, you’ll need to plan accordingly for transport times.

Similarities to Enjoy at WDW:

Immersive Theming - Like DLP, WDW is a master at immersive theming. Every ride, hotel, and area is packed with Disney magic. From the Wizarding World of Harry Potter (in Universal Studios) to Pandora: The World of Avatar at Animal Kingdom, the level of theming at WDW rivals DLP, if not exceeds it in certain areas.
Character Experiences - WDW offers more opportunities to meet Disney characters, with themed meals, character greetings, and even private tours available. If you loved the character interaction at DLP, you’ll be in for a treat at WDW.

Ultimately, while WDW is larger and more crowded than DLP, it offers a lot of additional attractions and experiences that you won’t find in Paris. Just be prepared for the larger scale and the crowds, but also know that the magic and the immersive experiences will be there. With good planning and strategic use of Genie+, you’ll be able to enjoy the best of WDW’s offerings without getting too overwhelmed by the crowds!

Have a magical trip and happy 13th birthday to your little one!